The Holden Roundup

FLOODING ISSUE TO BE ADDRESSED: Town Manager Brian Bullock told selectmen Monday he's contacted MassHighway regarding the ongoing drainage problem at the intersection of routes 122A and 31. Pooling has become an issue for that spot, especially during long or heavy rains. According to Bullock, an area engineer with MassHighway's District 3 office said a crew will be on site within the next 30-45 days to correct the problem. Bullock said repairs were delayed due to the pending change in fiscal years and the need for the state to contract with a vendor to perform the work.

Bullock also reported that Holden's Municipal Light Department and Highway Division have developed a plan to correct approximately 18 manholes on Main Street. This work should take place over the summer months and will require the rebuilding of each structure and replacement of the covers.

MEDICATION FOLLOW-UP: Following up a concern raised by Selectwoman Kimberly Ferguson at the board's June 5, meeting Bullock said he was informed by Police Chief George Sherrill that any medications that are sensitive to heat or cold are removed from the ambulance and stored properly inside the ambulance offices. Holden resident Dr. Peter Paige, vice chairman of clinical operations of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus, had raised a concern with selectmen regarding the medicationstorage situation of the American Medical Response ambulance, which services Holden. The ambulance is housed in a detached, non-climate controlled garage at the former Holden District Hospital site.

Bullock noted that taking the medications out of the ambulance to the ambulance staff's offices on the third floor of the former hospital building "adds another step to be taken when a call for the ambulance comes in because the ambulance operators must make sure they take the stored medicines with them to the ambulance."

The proposed Public Safety Facility, the subject of a ballot vote this past Tuesday, included space to house the ambulance and its onboard medications.

NEWSLETTER WINNER ANNOUNCED: The Friends of the Council on Aging received 29 entries in their Name the Newsletter contest. They selected Tannery Drive resident Elizabeth Walker's suggestion of "Among Friends" as the new name for the monthly newsletter. She received a $25 gift certificate to Val's Restaurant.

MEYER APPOINTED: Fort Sumter Drive resident Edwin Meyer was appointed Monday to the one-year spot on the Wachusett Regional School District School Committee Audit Advisory Board.

"There have been many problems in the past and they are now going to give us an opportunity to look at their books," Meyer told the select board during his interview Monday night.

Meyer said he's followed the school budgets over the years. His investigation of unauthorized meal and other expenditures under the previous administration prompted the regional school committee to tighten controls regarding central office spending.

Meyer, a corporate insurance broker, said his background includes a degree in business administration and classes in finance and accounting, although he said accounting was not his strong suit.

Selectman Joseph Sullivan grilled Meyer for several minutes about how he would work with the school district and whether he could bring a balanced and unbiased approach to the process.

Both Sullivan and Selectman Kenneth O'Brien opposed the appointment. "You are what you do, not what you say," Sullivan said. He described Meyer as enjoying being the "burr under the saddle" and having a poor relationship with the school district.

Meyer said having an opportunity to look at the books will let the board find out how the district's $60 million budget is being spent and whether the expenses are legitimate or not. He said he can look at an issue from both sides and that if he sees something wrong, he'll say something.

Working with a group, "you have to give and take and I'm willing to do that," Meyer said, noting also he'll still be able to work with the board, even if his opinion is in the minority.

The seven-member board will consist of one representative from each member town, appointed by their selectmen, and two members from the school committee. The board has been charged with reviewing the district's financial reporting process and annual audit(s) and to recommend to the school committee the hiring of the independent firm who audits the financial affairs of the district.

Fellow candidate David Dickman of Princeton Street pulled his name from the running.

STILL SEEKING PEOPLE: Selectman James Jumonville reported Monday that four people have expressed interest in forming a Memorial Day Parade Committee. One more person is needed, he said. Interested residents are encouraged to fill out a "do-something" questionnaire, available at the town manager's office, or to call him at (508) 829-9001 for more information by July 1.

PUPPET SHOW: Once Upon a Story Book, 787 Main St., will hold a Disney Sing-a-long Puppet Show on Saturday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m. You must call to reserve a space, (508) 829-2082.

If you've spotted a story, scratched your head or gottenan idea about something in town, we'd love to hearabout it. Call Robin Harned, the Holden reporter, at(508) 829-5981 ext. 33, or e-mail her at rharned@holdenlandmark.com.